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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray and fearlessly abide
the consequences.
The downtrodden law of God is to be exalted before the people; as
soon as they turn with earnestness and reverence to the Holy Scriptures,
light from heaven will reveal to them wondrous things out of God’s
law. Great truths that have long been obscured by superstition and false
doctrine will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of the Sacred Word.
The living oracles pour forth their treasures new and old, bringing light
and joy to all who will receive them. Many are roused from their
slumber. They rise as it were from the dead and receive the light
and life which Christ alone can give. Truths which have proved an
overmatch for giant intellects are understood by babes in Christ. To
these is plainly revealed that which has clouded the spiritual perception
of the most learned expositors of the word, because, like the Sadducees
of old, they were ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.
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Those who study the Bible with a sincere desire to know and do
the will of God will become wise unto salvation. The Sabbath school
is an important branch of the missionary work, not only because it
gives to young and old a knowledge of God’s word, but because it
awakens in them a love for its sacred truths and a desire to study it for
themselves; above all, it teaches them to regulate their lives by its holy
teachings.
All who take the word of God as their rule of life are brought into
close relationship with one another. The Bible is their bond of union.
But their companionship will not be sought or desired by those who do
not bow to the Sacred Word as the one unerring guide. They will be at
variance, both in faith and practice. There can be no harmony between
them; they are unreconcilable. As Seventh-day Adventists we appeal
from custom and tradition to the plain “Thus saith the Lord;” and for
this reason we are not, and cannot be, in harmony with the multitudes
who teach and follow the doctrines and commandments of men.
All who are born of God will become co-workers with Christ.
Such are the salt of the earth. “But if the salt have lost his savor,
wherewith shall it be salted?” If the religion we profess fails to renew
our hearts and sanctify our lives, how shall it exert a saving power
upon unbelievers? “It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast
out, and to be trodden underfoot of men.” That religion which will not
exert a regenerating power upon the world is of no value. We cannot